KARACHI: Ahfazur Rehman, a journalist admired for his lifelong struggle for a free press, breathed his last in the wee hours of Sunday at a hospital in Karachi.

He was laid to rest at TP2 graveyard, Mehmoodabad.

His death has robbed journalism and trade unionism in Pakistan of one of its finest in the shape of Ahfazur Rehman, who lost a long battle with cancer.

He was amongst those dedicated journalists who worked for several Urdu newspapers and magazines. His last stint was with Jang, where he was in charge of the newspaper’s magazine for many years.

However, those who knew Ahfaz close up recall that his first love had always been journalists’ trade unionism and he remained active in the movement for freedom of the press and rights of journalists and print workers as long as his health allowed him to do so.

It was during his illness that he produced one of the finest books on journalists’ movement in the country — a chronicle about the struggle for press freedom that took place during General Ziaul Haq’s initial years of martial law.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) carried out one of its most sustained campaigns, resulting in the arrest of scores of journalists. Ahfaz had a pivotal role in organising this movement.

This was the time when some top personalities led the movement for press freedom. With people like Minhaj Barna and Nisar Osmani spearheading the struggle, the organisational work was mostly left to Ahfaz. Almost everyone in the PFUJ was convinced that there was no one to match his dedication and calibre to run an underground movement at a time when police and intelligence agencies were hunting for them as they were sending batches of journalists to court arrest every day.

Ultimately he too was arrested and sent to jail by a military court. But for people like him, it was a badge of honour as a number of his colleagues were already behind bars in response to the PFUJ’s call.

My heart sinks as I write about the life and times of Ahfazur Rehman. The thought of the frailty of our lives and of losing a person of courage and character was overpowering.

Ahfaz belonged to a generation of journalists who hailed from the old school. He was brave, courageous and upright.

He was immune to favours or incentives as these were against his scruples. Ahfaz was also one of those journalists who would opt for hardship and misery rather than compromise on principles.

During my stint in the world of print journalism I did not enjoy the privilege of working with Ahfaz in any organisation nor was I a comrade of his in trade union activities.

Primarily we were on different paths of journalism. However, mutual admiration and respect endeared us to each other.

Ahfaz was undoubtedly one of the most charismatic journalists in the country. He refused to give in during tough times. He was a role model and a source of inspiration for all those who joined the profession at the turn of this century.

As I see my social media pages on the computer screen, laudatory messages are pouring in, recalling his professionalism, integrity and passion for poetry and other literary pursuits.

The views and sentiments are in complete agreement with mine.

The last time I saw Ahfazur Rehman was from a distance in 2017 at the launch of his book, Sub Se Bari Jang, at the Arts Council. He was virtually mobbed by his admirers and all those who took part with him in student politics. The book is an authoritative treatise capturing the eventful days of journalists’ movement against the tyranny of a military dictator during the seventies. Ahfaz was the indomitable warrior who was always on the front line.

For students of journalism and those who would like to understand how Pakistani journalists had struggled to achieve whatever little freedom we have today, it is a must read.

I often found Ahfaz playing a game of chess at Karachi Press Club. His appearance was always that of a very serious, almost angry, man. But he had a heart of gold and loved those who wanted to dedicate their energies to journalism and trade union movement.

Mahnaz Rehman, his wife who is an activist and journalist in her own right, is equally praiseworthy for her indefatigable courage and energy. She stood by her husband in trying times.

Ahfaz, an icon of Pakistani journalism, will be greatly missed.

PFUJ tribute

In a powerful tribute, the PFUJ described him as one of the most remarkable leaders of the movement. Shahzada Zulfiqar, the president, and Nasir Zaidi, the secretary general, said: “Ahfazur Rehman was one of the torch-bearers in the struggle for a free press and was always in the forefront of any movement against military rulers and oppressive regimes.”

The statement said the life-long struggle of PFUJ’s former president for freedom of expression would continue to be a guiding force for journalists across the country.

The PFUJ has called for a three-day mourning and suggested that black flags be hoisted at press clubs, union offices and workplaces.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2020